- Cuba is an exception in the political and automobile world. Embargoed by the U.S. over the last fifty years, Cuba banned simultaneously the importation by individuals of foreign vehicles on its territory. Consequence: 120 000 to 150 000 cars (an estimated volume since there are no official figures ) are currently running in this country of 11 million inhabitants. Half of these cars are American cars of the 40s and 50s that were already present there before the 1959 Cuban revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power.

- Nevertheless there is also the presence of Russian cars (Lada) from the 70s and 80s , European cars (Skoda) from the 90s and 2000s, Chinese vehicles (Chery, Geely) from the 2000s imported by rental companies or administrations.

- Cuba does not yet have an automobile industry but this may change in coming years. A Chinese manufacturer (Geely) that is currently the sales leader in the country is planning to build a small factory there. Meanwhile, a decree was issued to formalize the liberalization of car trade in the country between individuals.

- A second hand Lada costs today about 10 000 dollars, despite an average salary of $20 per month , the importation of foreign vehicles however will only affect the wealthiest part of the population, but in the current economical climate the opening to international trade is already real step forwards.